Building Ballard: A photo history

Updated 7:26 pm, Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 1of/64

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 64

This photo from June 26, 1914 shows regrading work in Ballard, looking east on 47th Street. Much of Seattle went through regrades, including Capitol Hill, First Hill, Beacon Hill and Denny Hill, which was about where Belltown now sits. less

This photo from June 26, 1914 shows regrading work in Ballard, looking east on 47th Street. Much of Seattle went through regrades, including Capitol Hill, First Hill, Beacon Hill and Denny Hill, which was about ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 2 of 64

This June 26, 1914 photo was taken from the foot of Ballard Avenue during a regrade project of the area.

This June 26, 1914 photo was taken from the foot of Ballard Avenue during a regrade project of the area.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 3 of 64

This photo is looking east on Shilshole from 15th Avenue during a Ballard regrade project, taken June 26, 1914.

This photo is looking east on Shilshole from 15th Avenue during a Ballard regrade project, taken June 26, 1914.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 4 of 64

This photo from July 10, 1914 shows work on the Salmon Bay pier in Ballard.

This photo from July 10, 1914 shows work on the Salmon Bay pier in Ballard.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 5 of 64

This photo from July 10, 1914 shows work on the Salmon Bay pier in Ballard.

This photo from July 10, 1914 shows work on the Salmon Bay pier in Ballard.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 6 of 64

A drawing for the Ballard Bridge from April 24, 1914. The bridge would be completed three years later.

A drawing for the Ballard Bridge from April 24, 1914. The bridge would be completed three years later.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 7 of 64

Looking across the east end of Salmon Bay at early work on the Ballard Bridge that was to connect Ballard to Interbay. Photo taken Nov. 3, 1915.

Looking across the east end of Salmon Bay at early work on the Ballard Bridge that was to connect Ballard to Interbay. Photo taken Nov. 3, 1915.

Image 8 of 64

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 27, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917 but has undergone major overhauls or repairs multiple times since.

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 27, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917 but has undergone major overhauls or repairs multiple times since.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 9 of 64

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 27, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest. The bridge has undergone major overhauls or repairs multiple times since. This photo appears to be looking north. less

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 27, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest. The bridge has undergone major overhauls or repairs multiple times since. ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 10 of 64

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 5, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest.

Work on the Ballard Bridge on May 5, 1916. The bridge first opened in 1917, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest.

Image 11 of 64

This view, looking west from just east of 15th Avenue Northwest, shows work on the Ballard Bridge on May 5, 1916. The bridge opened the following year and while it retains at least some of the opening "bascule" portion of the original draw bridge, most of the rest of the approaches north and south have been rebuilt over the years. less

This view, looking west from just east of 15th Avenue Northwest, shows work on the Ballard Bridge on May 5, 1916. The bridge opened the following year and while it retains at least some of the opening "bascule" ... more

Image 12 of 64

Work continues on the Ballard Bridge Oct. 27, 1916. The bridge opened the following year, but go through multiple major overhauls over the years.

Work continues on the Ballard Bridge Oct. 27, 1916. The bridge opened the following year, but go through multiple major overhauls over the years.

Image 13 of 64

A view across Salmon Bay from one side of the in-construction Ballard Bridge to the other, taken March 21, 1917. The bridge opened later that year.

A view across Salmon Bay from one side of the in-construction Ballard Bridge to the other, taken March 21, 1917. The bridge opened later that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 14 of 64

This May 21, 1917 photo shows one half of the draw bridge extending over Salmon Bay. The bridge opened later that year and while it retains at least some of the opening "bascule" portion of the original draw bridge, most of the rest of the bridge has been rebuilt over the years. less

This May 21, 1917 photo shows one half of the draw bridge extending over Salmon Bay. The bridge opened later that year and while it retains at least some of the opening "bascule" portion of the original draw ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 15 of 64

Workers continue piecing together the Ballard Bridge to link Ballard to Interbay across Salmon Bay along 15th Avenue Northwest, shown May 9, 1917. The bridge opened later that year.

Workers continue piecing together the Ballard Bridge to link Ballard to Interbay across Salmon Bay along 15th Avenue Northwest, shown May 9, 1917. The bridge opened later that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 16 of 64

This July 3, 1917 photo shows the Ballard Bridge still under construction and with the span open. Once decking was completed, the bridge opened later that year.

This July 3, 1917 photo shows the Ballard Bridge still under construction and with the span open. Once decking was completed, the bridge opened later that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 17 of 64

This July 27, 1917 photo shows the Ballard Bridge nearly complete. It opened soon after, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest.

This July 27, 1917 photo shows the Ballard Bridge nearly complete. It opened soon after, connecting Ballard to Interbay along 15th Avenue Northwest.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 18 of 64

Work on the Ballard trunk sewer project, Oct. 28, 1935.

Work on the Ballard trunk sewer project, Oct. 28, 1935.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 19 of 64

A worker takes a break and poses for a photo while working on the Ballard trunk sewer, Sept. 4, 1935.

A worker takes a break and poses for a photo while working on the Ballard trunk sewer, Sept. 4, 1935.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 20 of 64

Excavation and other work is underway for the Ballard trunk sewer project in this photo from Oct. 2, 1935.

Excavation and other work is underway for the Ballard trunk sewer project in this photo from Oct. 2, 1935.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 21 of 64

Workers are shown here down by Salmon Bay building the Ballard sewer system, Sept. 26, 1935.

Workers are shown here down by Salmon Bay building the Ballard sewer system, Sept. 26, 1935.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 22 of 64

This photo shows workers preparing to pave the roadway for the Leary Way street car on March 7, 1934.

This photo shows workers preparing to pave the roadway for the Leary Way street car on March 7, 1934.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 23 of 64

A young child poses along this excavated street bed during construction of the municipal street railway along Leary Way, looking southeast, Oct. 24, 1917.

A young child poses along this excavated street bed during construction of the municipal street railway along Leary Way, looking southeast, Oct. 24, 1917.

Residents and city officials pose on 15th Avenue Northwest, on the Ballard Bridge during the formal opening of the municipal street railway Jan. 27, 1918. The new car is headed into Ballard in this photo.

Residents and city officials pose on 15th Avenue Northwest, on the Ballard Bridge during the formal opening of the municipal street railway Jan. 27, 1918. The new car is headed into Ballard in this photo.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 26 of 64

Market Street is torn up for paving in this Aug. 20, 1934 photo.

Market Street is torn up for paving in this Aug. 20, 1934 photo.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 27 of 64

Workers along Market Street in Ballard smooth concrete slabs behind other workers who prepare slabs to be poured in this photo from Sept. 11, 1934.

Workers along Market Street in Ballard smooth concrete slabs behind other workers who prepare slabs to be poured in this photo from Sept. 11, 1934.

Ballard residents and business had wanted to rebuild the approaches to the Ballard Bridge for some time by 1939, when lowered construction costs (thanks to the Great Depression) finally allowed them to rebuild the approaches to the bridge. This photo from Jan. 19, 1939 shows the old bridge deck, looking north toward Ballard. less

Ballard residents and business had wanted to rebuild the approaches to the Ballard Bridge for some time by 1939, when lowered construction costs (thanks to the Great Depression) finally allowed them to rebuild ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 31 of 64

This May 22, 1939 photo shows the south end of the Ballard Bridge, connecting Interbay to Ballard along 15th Avenue Northwest, shortly before demolition began for the new approaches north and south.

This May 22, 1939 photo shows the south end of the Ballard Bridge, connecting Interbay to Ballard along 15th Avenue Northwest, shortly before demolition began for the new approaches north and south.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 32 of 64

Demolition of the old Ballard Bridge gets underway here with the removal of the street car tracks, shown May 31, 1939. The rebuild was a massive project, but would be completed about a year later.

Demolition of the old Ballard Bridge gets underway here with the removal of the street car tracks, shown May 31, 1939. The rebuild was a massive project, but would be completed about a year later.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 33 of 64

An excavator tears up the decking on one approach to the Ballard Bridge June 9, 1939. The bridge, with brand new approaches north and south, would reopen less than a year later.

An excavator tears up the decking on one approach to the Ballard Bridge June 9, 1939. The bridge, with brand new approaches north and south, would reopen less than a year later.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 34 of 64

This June 21, 1939 photo shows the south end of the Ballard Bridge, where removal of the old decking was underway. To the right of the photo, a gas station along 15th Avenue Northwest can be seen.

This June 21, 1939 photo shows the south end of the Ballard Bridge, where removal of the old decking was underway. To the right of the photo, a gas station along 15th Avenue Northwest can be seen.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 35 of 64

A bulldozer is used to break up the paving on the Ballard Bridge June 23, 1939. The massive overhaul of the bridge would be complete less than a year later.

A bulldozer is used to break up the paving on the Ballard Bridge June 23, 1939. The massive overhaul of the bridge would be complete less than a year later.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 36 of 64

In this July 5, 1939 photo, a crane picks up pieces of the Ballard Bridge decking during demolition on the south end of the bridge. The newly rebuilt bridge would open the following May.

In this July 5, 1939 photo, a crane picks up pieces of the Ballard Bridge decking during demolition on the south end of the bridge. The newly rebuilt bridge would open the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 37 of 64

This July 6, 1939 photo shows demolition of the north approach to the Ballard Bridge well underway. The entire rebuild of both approaches would be completed in less than a year.

This July 6, 1939 photo shows demolition of the north approach to the Ballard Bridge well underway. The entire rebuild of both approaches would be completed in less than a year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 38 of 64

By July 12, 1939, demolition was far along, leaving the center draw bridge spans looking like a bridge to nowhere. Rebuilding the approaches would be complete by the following May.

By July 12, 1939, demolition was far along, leaving the center draw bridge spans looking like a bridge to nowhere. Rebuilding the approaches would be complete by the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 39 of 64

A crane works on wrecking the remainder of the south end approach of the Ballard Bridge in this July 27, 1939 photo.

A crane works on wrecking the remainder of the south end approach of the Ballard Bridge in this July 27, 1939 photo.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 40 of 64

This photo, from Aug. 2, 1939, appears to show work beginning to rebuild the north approach to the Ballard Bridge. The bridge would reopen the following May.

This photo, from Aug. 2, 1939, appears to show work beginning to rebuild the north approach to the Ballard Bridge. The bridge would reopen the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 41 of 64

Workers lay planking and bend rebar as they begin rebuilding the north approach of the Ballard Bridge Aug. 2, 1939.

Workers lay planking and bend rebar as they begin rebuilding the north approach of the Ballard Bridge Aug. 2, 1939.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 42 of 64

Work on the north approach Sept. 6, 1939 includes steel reinforcement before new concrete is poured. The overhauled bridge reopened the following May.

Work on the north approach Sept. 6, 1939 includes steel reinforcement before new concrete is poured. The overhauled bridge reopened the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 43 of 64

Work on the north approach of the Ballard Bridge seemed to get ahead of work on the south end, as shown in this Sept. 6, 1939 photo. Here, forms are constructed to pour the concrete pilings that would support new approach. The new bridge opened in May the following year. less

Work on the north approach of the Ballard Bridge seemed to get ahead of work on the south end, as shown in this Sept. 6, 1939 photo. Here, forms are constructed to pour the concrete pilings that would support ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 44 of 64

This photo from Sept. 6, 1939 shows the south approach of the Ballard Bridge during the rebuilding process. The wood framing would be replaced by concrete pilings and steel girders before the bridge reopened the following May. less

This photo from Sept. 6, 1939 shows the south approach of the Ballard Bridge during the rebuilding process. The wood framing would be replaced by concrete pilings and steel girders before the bridge reopened ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 45 of 64

Work continues Oct. 26, 1939 on the new concrete substructure to support the north approach of the Ballard Bridge. The original bridge opened in 1917, but almost all of the bridge (except for the draw bridge span) was replaced during the 1939-1940 overhaul. less

Work continues Oct. 26, 1939 on the new concrete substructure to support the north approach of the Ballard Bridge. The original bridge opened in 1917, but almost all of the bridge (except for the draw bridge ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 46 of 64

The rebuilding of the Ballard Bridge is in full swing in this Nov. 1, 1939 photo from the south end of the bridge. Work was completed and the bridge reopened the following May.

The rebuilding of the Ballard Bridge is in full swing in this Nov. 1, 1939 photo from the south end of the bridge. Work was completed and the bridge reopened the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 47 of 64

A concrete truck drives out on what look like perilous planks during work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge in this Nov. 1, 1939 photo.

A concrete truck drives out on what look like perilous planks during work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge in this Nov. 1, 1939 photo.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 48 of 64

Form work is shown here along the edge of the north approach of the Ballard Bridge Nov. 1, 1939. After a major overhaul, the bridge reopened the following May.

Form work is shown here along the edge of the north approach of the Ballard Bridge Nov. 1, 1939. After a major overhaul, the bridge reopened the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 49 of 64

In this Nov. 16, 1939 photo, steel cross pieces are set on girders at the north end of the Ballard Bridge. The bridge would reopen the following May.

In this Nov. 16, 1939 photo, steel cross pieces are set on girders at the north end of the Ballard Bridge. The bridge would reopen the following May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 50 of 64

This Nov. 16, 1939 photo shows more of the steel work going on as the north approach of the Ballard Bridge is rebuilt. Citizens fought hard to get approval to rebuild the bridge, which had become unsafe since it opened in 1917. The work was completed and the bridge reopened in May 1940. less

This Nov. 16, 1939 photo shows more of the steel work going on as the north approach of the Ballard Bridge is rebuilt. Citizens fought hard to get approval to rebuild the bridge, which had become unsafe since ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 51 of 64

Workers moved on and off the bridge along a narrow two-plank-wide walkway, shown in this Nov. 29, 1939 photo. The overhaul of the Ballard Bridge began in mid-1939 and was completed by May the following year.

Workers moved on and off the bridge along a narrow two-plank-wide walkway, shown in this Nov. 29, 1939 photo. The overhaul of the Ballard Bridge began in mid-1939 and was completed by May the following year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 52 of 64

Judging by photos of the work overhauling the Ballard Bridge, work on the south end seemed to lag behind the north approach. That's likely though, as the southern approach was much longer than the north. In this Dec. 4, 1939 photo, work continues on the south approach. The entire overhaul would be finished by the following May. less

Judging by photos of the work overhauling the Ballard Bridge, work on the south end seemed to lag behind the north approach. That's likely though, as the southern approach was much longer than the north. In ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 53 of 64

The Ballard Bridge starts to resemble a bridge again in this Dec. 11, 1939 photo taken from the north end of the bridge. The massive project of overhauling the bridge would be completed by June the following year. less

The Ballard Bridge starts to resemble a bridge again in this Dec. 11, 1939 photo taken from the north end of the bridge. The massive project of overhauling the bridge would be completed by June the following ... more

Image 54 of 64

A concrete truck empties its load as work continues on the south approach of the Ballard Bridge Dec. 12, 1939. In just more than a year, workers completely rebuilt the north and south approaches to the original draw bridge. It reopened the following May. less

A concrete truck empties its load as work continues on the south approach of the Ballard Bridge Dec. 12, 1939. In just more than a year, workers completely rebuilt the north and south approaches to the original ... more

Image 55 of 64

Building the forms for the massive concrete pilings must have certainly been a chore, as shown in this Jan. 5, 1940 photo. Work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge was completed in May of that year.

Building the forms for the massive concrete pilings must have certainly been a chore, as shown in this Jan. 5, 1940 photo. Work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge was completed in May of that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 56 of 64

While pilings and the first girders were going in on the south approach of the Ballard Bridge by mid-January 1940, workers on the north end were pouring concrete and preparing the road bed, as shown in this Jan. 18, 1940 photo. Work was completed in May. less

While pilings and the first girders were going in on the south approach of the Ballard Bridge by mid-January 1940, workers on the north end were pouring concrete and preparing the road bed, as shown in this ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 57 of 64

The longer south approach was starting to look more and more like a bridge by the time this Jan. 19, 1940 photo was snapped. Work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge would be complete by May of the same year.

The longer south approach was starting to look more and more like a bridge by the time this Jan. 19, 1940 photo was snapped. Work to rebuild the Ballard Bridge would be complete by May of the same year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 58 of 64

A 30-ton steel girder is lifted into place by a crane on the south end of the Ballard Bridge in this photo from Jan. 22, 1940. The bridge reopened that May.

A 30-ton steel girder is lifted into place by a crane on the south end of the Ballard Bridge in this photo from Jan. 22, 1940. The bridge reopened that May.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 59 of 64

This Feb. 1, 1940 photo shows not the safest path for trucks to drive underneath the concrete pilings as work on the Ballard Bridge continues. The bridge reopened in May of that year.

This Feb. 1, 1940 photo shows not the safest path for trucks to drive underneath the concrete pilings as work on the Ballard Bridge continues. The bridge reopened in May of that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 60 of 64

Steel work continues on the south end of the Ballard Bridge in this Feb. 19, 1940 photo. The overhaul would be completed by May of that year.

Steel work continues on the south end of the Ballard Bridge in this Feb. 19, 1940 photo. The overhaul would be completed by May of that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 61 of 64

A man stands next to the Ballard Bridge gas station as work to rebuild the bridge continues in this photos from March 7, 1940.

A man stands next to the Ballard Bridge gas station as work to rebuild the bridge continues in this photos from March 7, 1940.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 62 of 64

This March 21, 1940 photo shows workers on the draw span of the Ballard Bridge during the rebuilding of the bridge. The bridge reopened in May of that year.

This March 21, 1940 photo shows workers on the draw span of the Ballard Bridge during the rebuilding of the bridge. The bridge reopened in May of that year.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Image 63 of 64

And the Ballard Bridge rebuild is complete. Though the bridge underwent other changes since then, the work from May 1939 to May 1940 may have been the most major overhaul the bridge has seen in its 98-year life. The May 1940 photo caption read: The head of the colorful parade held yesterday to celebrate the opening of the new Ballard Bridge shown passing over the draw span. less

And the Ballard Bridge rebuild is complete. Though the bridge underwent other changes since then, the work from May 1939 to May 1940 may have been the most major overhaul the bridge has seen in its 98-year ... more

Photo: Seattlepi.com File

Image 64 of 64

Building Ballard: A photo history

1 / 64

Back to Gallery

Like Rome, Ballard wasn't built in a day.

In fact, the city was built and rebuilt over many long and storied decades.

Though far from complete, we have gathered archival photos of several major projects in Ballard during the 20th century.

The regrading of Ballard, the building of the Salmon Bay pier, the building of the original Ballard Bridge that opened in 1917, and then the rebuilding of it that began in 1939.

It was muddy, it was dangerous, it was rough and tumble and just the way Ballard and Seattle liked it.

Take a look for yourself and watch some Ballard projects as they took shape over the years.